Should be ready in May. Of 2020. *sigh*
I guess that's better than the last one I ordered out of Big Timber, MT. That one took six years. The big "rush" on these is long since over, but these manufacturers remain small, family run operations, filling a decidedly small niche market.
This one will be from Shilo Manufacturing, where my last few were from C. Sharps Arms, right across the street. This will be another Model 1874 Sharps, this time in a (relatively) "light weight" hunting configuration. I ordered a #3 Sporter, with a standard weight half round 26" barrel in .45-2.4" (otherwise known as .45-90) caliber. Straight grip, standard wood, buckhorn rear and blade front sights. Should come in right at 10 pounds, or maybe a bit less.
The .45-2.4" is a great hunting caliber. A little more poop than the .45-70, but the fouling remains manageable without cleaning or blow-tubing for enough rounds that you could get a follow-up shot or two in before accuracy goes to hell. We're talking black powder and cast bullets, of course.
Here is my one remaining '74 Sharps, from C. Sharps Arms. This is a long range match rifle, sporting a 34" heavy octagon barrel chambered in .45-2.6" (aka .45-100). At over 14 pounds, and with its heavy powder charge, it's not really suitable for hunting. Too heavy, too much cleaning. Just try to picture this rifle with an 8" shorter barrel, half round (from the end of the forearm forward", and of lighter contour, and that's what I'll be taking delivery of next year.
Closeup showing the action and a loaded round, featuring a 540 grain "Creedmoor" bullet from a Paul Jones mold. The big vernier sight is from MVA, called their "Buffalo Soule", and is strictly a match sight. The new rifle won't have one, just the barrel sights.
I'm excited. Something to look forward to. I already load for an original Remington Hepburn in .45-2.4", so I'll have ammo waiting.